Everyone’s done new things before. It could be getting a new job, becoming a freshman or moving to a new neighborhood. But during these early stages, mistakes are often met with understanding because you’re still learning. But once you get that promotion, once you’re a sophomore, once it’s your turn to bring the food to the block party, the responsibility can get to you.

Kylie Feigenbaum, a sophomore at FHN, knows this feeling all too well. She was selected as the only freshman on the varsity volleyball team last year, as an outside/defensive specialist. This was huge for Kylie and her family, especially her dad, Dean Feigenbaum.

“When she made a real solid play, the crowd would cheer, ‘That’s our freshman’. I wore that as a badge of honor, because her being the only freshman on the team was really exciting for [me and her],” Dean said.

And as great as this was for Kylie, it came with its share of struggle. Her love for volleyball often clashed with her volleyball skill, and she would find herself wanting to play like the best, even when she was still learning.

“When she would mess up, she’d get in her head, and it would be very evident,” Dean said. “You could see it on her face, her mannerisms and other people could see it as well, including her coaches. Her coaches would think if she didn’t get her head in the game, she was letting the team down. And to a certain extent, they’re right, because the more she did that, the more likely it was for her to make mistakes. So, it was important that she’d be able to adjust and accept that a poor play is just that. A poor play. And after that, get back in the game and make it right.”

“Just watching Kylie slowly start to lighten up on the court is inspiring,” Gentile said. “She smiles more often and she genuinely seems like she wants to play.”

By the end of her freshman season, Kylie was much more confident and an all-around better athlete than she had been when she first started. She took each game as an opportunity to learn and grow more in her skills, which worked in her favor excellently.

“The biggest difference that I noticed between freshman and sophomore year for me was my confidence level,” Kylie said. “Last year I had zero confidence. Even when I got a good play, I’d dismiss it as just a play. But this year, every play matters. If that ball’s gonna hit the ground, I’m running for it. Nothing can hit the ground.”

Her increased confidence would have a strong impact on her method of play, as she became a more well-rounded player both through her experience and through her new mindset. This did not go unnoticed by others.

“Once we’re in a deficit of points, you start to see how Kylie listens and takes in what we’re saying on the bench, and she’ll start to rack up points and confidence,” said Gentile. “And I can tell she’s having a good time out there, because she celebrates with
everybody, and she looks so much lighter.”

This journey had a big impact not only on Kylie but also on her family, her teams, and her coaches. Everyone involved had some part in it, and it goes to show that volleyball is so much more than just a sport to Kylie. It’s a tradition, a way of life, and something that she can really devote herself to.

“I don’t think I’ve missed a game since she’s started playing volleyball,” Dean said. “And so I’ve been able to be a part of this journey from the beginning. It’s really exciting for me because I’ve been able to watch her grow, and even though it’s her doing it, I feel like it’s something we do together. I think it’s helped us grow closer in that way.”